Billie Madelene Scott

Late in the afternoon on February 26th we got a call from Bill's brother James that their mom had a massive stroke. I jumped on the computer and started looking for flights to Tucson Arizona, eventually found one, packed a few things and headed out to Portland. It was a long drive, made longer by freezing fog and the fact that we had both been up since 5 am, worked and it was now 1:30 am Friday just as we headed out. Bill had been driving all day at work, but on we went. After 4 hours we arrived safely, parked and got checked in. All was good, our flight on time and we arrived in Tucson at around 12:30 Friday afternoon. I know seemed like a long time to fly so close, but we had a layover in Las Vegas. It was all good though.

Carrie, Jim's wife, picked us up at the airport, apparently she had been waiting for an hour. We told her 12:30, I guess that was our time, not theirs. Sorry Carrie, really, I'm so sorry. Just didn't think about it. Can I use sleep deprivation as an excuse? She was very gracious and wonderful about it. Thank you!

We checked in to our hotel quickly, washed our faces and off we went to the hospital. Carrie filled us in on the way, Madelene wasn't doing well, she couldn't speak or swallow, but could understand everything and knew everyone, which we would have confirmed within a few minutes. When Bill walked in and went to her she threw up her left arm and squealed with delight. (Her right arm paralyzed) It was so fun to see. She just grabbed onto him and wouldn't let him go. She laughed and tried to say some things which of course we couldn't understand, but we knew she was a happy camper. That whole evening she wanted to hold Bill's hand or mine, James or Carrie's and of course Bud's, her faithful husband of over 63 years. We sat with her for the rest of the evening and into the night, happy to be there for her, with her. During the course of the day and watching how she was doing, hurting, we found out she had what the Orthopaedist called a sheared pelvis and broken in three places. They had found a spot on her lungs the size of a tennis ball during a CT scan in the ED and then of course, the stroke. This woman had every reason to moan and complain and all she could do was smile and laugh with us and be happy that two of her sons were there.

We took a break and let her sleep a little bit and went to James and Carrie's house for awhile, then leaving to freshen up and grab a bite to eat before heading back to the hospital. Now I know it has been awhile since I have been in good weather, but it was about 80* there, so we rolled the windows down to enjoy the early evening. As we came to the street that our hotel was on the most wonderful smell started getting stronger and stronger. Bill and I both looked at each other and said, "where is that coming from". As we followed our noses we found a restaurant called "El Charro Cafe". Oh my gosh, it smelled soooo good! Lucky us, as we turned the corner, there was our hotel, just next door. So, guess what, you got it. We got cleaned up and walked immediately over to experience probably the best Mexican food I have ever eaten. Seriously, ever! Later James would tell us that it was called Sonora style Mexican. Will I ever be happy with any other kind again? I just don't know. We just had simple enchilada's but they were absolutely to die for, and the salsa.....oh my gosh! Everything about it was wonderful. The restaurant made us feel like we were in Mexico, the staff was wonderful, food amazing and we were only staying next door. Could it get any better than this!!! We had to eat, right? Suffice it to say, we went every day, trying something new each time and never being disappointed. That restaurant alone could convince me to move there! Yum! If you ever get the chance, you have got to go. You friends in Phoenix, well worth the trip for a Saturday afternoon drive, seriously! (Picture to follow)

Okay back to Bill's mom. Saturday brought Paul and Diane, another wonderful moment when one more of her boys showed up. We all sat around the hospital and visited, getting to know each other (I had only met James and Carrie once, 19 years ago or so), laughing, taking care of any needs we could see of Madelene's and enjoying the time together. Every once in awhile we would try to be quite so Madelene could sleep and someone would say something funny and we would all bust up and Madelene would be laughing right along with us. More than once we told her we thought she was asleep, but she wasn't, she would lay there and revel in the fact that her boys were together and the family surrounded her. Roger also flew in, so all her kids were together, what more could a mother want. She was so happy. Every time another son showed up she would squeal with delight and hold their hand forever, kissing it. In time she was able to express two simple things, "uh huh" and "I love you too".

During this time this wonderful woman never complained. For the longest time the doctor would only give her Tylenol 650 mg (until the sheared pelvis was confirmed), but even in excruciating pain she never really complained. She seemed happy and content, all because her family was together. We did finally get her more pain medication, but never really enough and she would groan when she was moved or shifted for any reason, but I was amazed at how well she was. Eventually she got an infection and we knew her time would be short, for any of her four medical problems. Hospice was called in and she was transferred to their care facility, Pepe's House, on Monday. Monday night Bill and I and Paul and Diane went to say goodnight after being gone while she got settled in there. She seemed quite agitated and was picking at her clothes. Bill said "lets sing to her". So, the four of us started singing some Primary songs and other hymn's. She immediately settled down, it made us smile. After six songs or so we stopped and up popped her good arm and started leading us to do more, not just waving her hand back and forth, but in 4/4 time. It was hysterical. So, we started singing again. What a woman! It still makes me chuckle. It was so funny. Later that evening as I was sitting by her side she started to get agitated again, so I started singing again, after a couple of songs I stopped and she did it again. I'll never forget it, we'll never forget her, or this great, last, visit with this wonderful woman.

Bill and I, Paul and Diane flew out the next day, Roger on Thursday. This morning we got a call that she had passed away, and I know she did so content and unafraid. She had her family around her while she could still remember, laughed with us, sang with us in her heart, listened to the boys talk about childhood things with fond memories and knew that she was surrounded by people that loved her, knowing that we would meet again. I'm so grateful for the Gospel in my life. For the knowledge we have that death is just a beginning and that we can all be together if we but do our part. Sad? Sure, we are sad and will miss her. At the same time. No, because we know we can be together, that the pains she has suffered for so many years are now gone. I'm sure she is loving the reunions of family and friends and to be free of a body wracked with aches and pains.

Now, I need to say something about her care at the hospital. She was in St. Joseph's Hospital, Neurology Department. I can't say enough good about the nurses and aides who attended her. They gave her great care, they were always kind and loving, never short toward her or any of us who might have been overly concerned about her pain. They only showed us kindness throughout the stay, even with eight people in her room nearly 24/7. They never hinted that we were in their way, but always made us feel that we were welcome any hour of the day or night. They were wonderful! Also, Pepe's Hospice Care Facility. Wonderful! What a great bunch of women. We are so grateful that she had such good care there as well. It made it so much easier to leave, knowing she was in their hands. We would call for updates and always be told to call back any time, day or night.

All in all, it has been a wonderful 10 days or so. We have been blessed by the Spirit which has comforted us, testifying of the truthfulness of that great Plan of Happiness, we have visited with family, have bid our farewells, expressed our love to the Matriarch of this family, laughed with her, sang with her, thanked her for all that she shared with us and we have each had our quite moments with her. She left this world knowing of our love and sharing her love for us. We look forward to the day when we will be together again.

Madelene, we love you!